Kevin in Atlanta

Special pliers for clamping the CV boot:



Any ideas?

-Kevin

Imo000

HF

MainePorsche

Sears.
Not Craftsman but I've seen them there with their automotive tools.

Ducman82

i got a set napa for like 10 bucks

Kevin in Atlanta

Cool beans!

M. Requin

Tile nippers (Lowe's, etc) and farrier's nail clippers/nippers (farm supply) also work, might take a file stroke to dull the edge on some of them.

tailpipe

I have a pair in my toolbox I got from my auto parts supplier if you were closer I would say drop over and borrow them

Tails

You can also buy a steel banding tool that secures the boot similar to the reinforced plastic band fitted around cardboard boxes. These are usually found at an Auto Supply Shop.

dr bob

I've tried using common nippers as shown in the OP's first pictures. It works OK, sort of. The correct tool holds the top of the crimped loop down flatter to the ring, so the tension on the ring is greater, plus it will take a lot more tension to spread the crimped loop. This is a case where the correct $20-25 tool really does do the job enough better to make it a worthwhile addition to a tool collection. Even if it's just for your own car that might need new axle boots every 10 years or more. Mine has had a bit of use over the years, mostly on cars belonging to others. Look at Lisle 30800, and there are also some cheaper options that are less robust.

Bill Ball

Performance Tool W83013 can be bought almost anywhere. It's not Snap-On, but it will do the job.